Broncos Name J.K. Dobbins Starting RB Ahead of Season Opener

DENVER, Colo. — The Denver Broncos announced that veteran running back J.K. Dobbins will start for the team in their season opener against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. Rookie RJ Harvey, selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, will serve as the backup.

Dobbins, 24, is coming off a strong season with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he rushed for 905 yards and five touchdowns. After facing three injury-plagued seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, he signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Broncos this offseason to bolster their backfield.

The Broncos restructured their running back group to address a lackluster rushing attack that ranked 23rd in rushing touchdowns last season, managing just 12 scores. In 2024, Denver’s rushing game struggled, with no player surpassing 600 yards.

Head coach Sean Payton emphasized the importance of a strong rushing game for the Broncos’ success this season. “We needed to make serious moves to improve our backfield,” he said. “Dobbins brings the experience, while Harvey offers potential we plan to utilize efficiently.”

Harvey led the Big 12 last year with 22 rushing touchdowns while playing for the University of Central Florida, making him a highly touted rookie. As they head into the season, both Dobbins and Harvey are expected to share carries, with Dobbins likely taking on more pass-blocking responsibilities, a role previously held by another back who left the team.

Meanwhile, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie round out the Broncos’ running back depth chart as RB3 and RB4, respectively. Both have shown flashes of potential but are still vying for significant playing time.

With the Broncos eager to return to competitive form following a playoff drought, the team believes the combination of Dobbins’ experience and Harvey’s explosiveness will significantly enhance their offense.